Chinese, Malaysian owned Lotus Engineering Expands Hethel

Posted on 12 October 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on New Asian Investments in Lotus

The Lotus consultancy claims to provide a comprehensive range of technical services to automotive manufacturers and suppliers.

The Asian Investors that own Lotus are making a multi-million-pound investment to enhance the engineering test facilities in Hethel, Norfolk UK. These latest improvements are in addition to an all-new sports car factory, which will be home to an all-new Lotus model next year, along with a new assembly hall dedicated to the Lotus Evija all-electric hypercar. Both will be manufacturing new Lotus cars during 2021. (Lotus at Goodwood Confirms Type 130 Named EVIJA)The Lotus Engineering consultancy seeks to expand its portfolio of services and its client base. It will complement the Lotus Cars business as it prepares to deliver a new range of performance cars – the first of which will be unveiled next year. (The Cora Virus effect is unknown as yet, along with the UK’s trading status with the EU.

Improvements include an all-new Electric Drive Unit (EDU) test cell, plus upgrades to the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) test and development cells, the Propulsion Prototype build workshop and the vehicle emissions lab. The 2.2-mile Hethel test track – the scene of so much historic race and road car development since Lotus moved to the Norfolk site in 1966 – has also been upgraded. (Renault Group to buy Lotus F1 Team, Raffle by Jim Clark Trust for Lotus Evora, Formula 1: Car by Car 1950–59 Now Available in the U.S.) Continue reading →

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InoBat – First Battery Developed With Artificial Intelligence?

Posted on 9 October 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Intelligent electric vehicle battery unveiled by European battery pr

InoBat is backed by a consortium of investors.

The world’s first ‘intelligent’ electric vehicle battery was today revealed today by European EV battery producer, InoBat Auto (InoBat) by the company’s CEO, Marian Bocek*. Speaking at the GLOBSEC Tatra Summit 2020, Bocek claimed that after only a year of research and development, InoBat can now unveil the world’s first battery developed through a combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High Throughput (HTP) technology.

InoBat’s technology-led approach to battery production – it’s claimed – enables them to create better batteries more quickly and efficiently, while delivering an increase in operational range for current best-in-class electric vehicles of almost 20%.  This technology enables InoBat to reduce its dependence on cobalt, in addition to also boosting energy density to a goal of 330 Wh/kg and 1,000 Wh/I by the end of 2023. What’s not clear is how InoBat can compete with major automakers, many of whom seeing selling their EV developed technologies to other companies as a way to offset costs and generate profits. GM’s Ultium battery business is just one example. Continue reading →

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Covid Casualties – U.S. and China Images Declining

Posted on 8 October 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Pew US China Image Research

Click to Enlarge.

Negative views of the United States and China have risen in many countries during the past year, according to the latest pew Research. In most of 14 advanced economies surveyed between June and August 2020, unfavorable views of both countries are at or near historic highs in Pew Research Center’s decade or more of polling on the issue.

Few in the countries surveyed have confidence in the leader of either the U.S. or China, and many are critical of how both countries have handled the coronavirus outbreak. On most measures included in the survey, people are even more critical of the U.S. than of China. However more still have favorable opinions of the U.S.
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Covid Causalities: US Trade Deficit Continues to Increase

Posted on 8 October 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Growing US trade Deficit and lack of a Covid Response plan

The US  average goods and services deficit increased $3.1 billion to $61.3 billion for the three months ending in August.

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis say that the  US goods and services deficit was $67.1 billion in August, up $3.7 billion from $63.4 billion in July, revised. August exports were $171.9 billion, $3.6 billion more than July exports. August imports were $239.0 billion, $7.4 billion more than July imports. The August increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $3.0 billion to $83.9 billion and a decrease in the services surplus of $0.7 billion to $16.8 billion. Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased $22.6 billion, or 5.7% from the same period in 2019. Exports decreased $296.1 billion or 17.6 percent. Imports decreased $273.5 billion or 13.1%.

Particularly worrisome for the Covid -Sick US economy were goods deficits with countries that effectively addressed the Covid-19 crisis with strong central government responses: In billions of dollars, with China ($26.4), European Union ($15.7), Mexico ($12.5), Germany ($4.6), Japan ($4.3), Italy ($2.6), France ($2.2), South Korea ($2.2), and Canada ($1.2).
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Education, Hospitals, Police – Comprise the Largest State and Local Government Employment Groups

Posted on 7 October 2020 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Government Employment.Local governments employed 14.2 million workers in March 2019, far more than state governments that had 5.5 million employees on their payroll, says the Census Bureau. The latest report, the 2019 ASPEP, says that in March 2019 state and local governments employed 19.7 million people, an increase of 0.4% from the 2018 total. According to the survey, 14.8 million were classified as full-time and 4.8 million were part-time employees. Full-time state and local government payroll increased 3.4% to $79 billion, and part-time employees’ payroll totaled $6.8 billion.
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Used Electric Vehicle Battery Reports Offered by Recurrent

Posted on 7 October 2020 by Ken Zino

A new Seattle-based startup focused on electric vehicles (EVs), claims to be the first company to offer third-party reports on the battery life and range of used EVs to help car buyers. Roughly half of American car buyers say they expect to own an electric car in the next 10 years according to recent surveys, but  so far sales have been miniscule. Recurrent claims the lack of reliable information about battery condition and actual range stops most of those purchasers from choosing EVs.

“Imagine buying a traditional used car without knowing the odometer reading. Battery health is the new odometer for electric vehicles, and we’re bringing transparency to it,” said Recurrent co-founder Scott Case.
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JR East, Hitachi, Toyota to Develop Fuel Cell Railway Vehicles

Posted on 7 October 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on HYBARI - the Toyota Fuel Cell Train project

Hybari name was adopted to evoke an image of an advanced hybrid railway vehicle equipped with fuel cells and a main circuit storage battery. “HY” represents “hydrogen,” while “HYB” means “hybrid.”

East Japan Railway Company (“JR East”), Hitachi, Ltd., and Toyota Motor Corporation have entered into an agreement to collaborate on development of test railway vehicles equipped with hybrid systems that use hydrogen powered fuel cells and storage batteries as their source of electricity. “By collaborating to develop these test railway vehicles, we aim to further improve the environmental superiority of railways and realize a sustainable society,” the companies said this morning in Japan.

The development of innovative rolling stock powered by hydrogen in theory will contribute to the development of a low-carbon society as it helps to curb global warming and diversify energy sources. Hydrogen ensures minimal environmental impact because it does not emit any carbon dioxide when used as an energy source. It can be produced from various raw materials using renewable energy.
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New Mercedes-Benz Strategy Aimed to Help Higher Profits

Posted on 6 October 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Daimler and Mercedes-Benz Financial Struggles

“We are set for profitable growth. Additionally, we have initiated comprehensive measures to bring down the breakeven point in order to right-size our company and our operations.” Click to Enlarge.

Mercedes-Benz today announced a new strategic course that claims will  pursue profitable growth in the luxury segment and target leadership in electric drive and car software. This follows the Q2 Daimler disaster. The COVID pandemic or the Grim Reaper saw a decline in demand for cars, vans, trucks and buses. Group total sales decreased by -34% to 541,800 cars and commercial vehicles (Q2 2019: 821,700). Revenue slipped significantly by -29% to €30.2 billion (Q2 2019: €42.7 billion). EBIT was minus -€1,682 million (Q2 2019: minus -€1,558 million). Adjusted EBIT was -€708 million (Q2 2019: plus €2,447 million).

“In recent years we have done many things right: design, product engineering, brand rejuvenation, sales growth. As a result, we have put Mercedes back on top again. But we have not yet lived up to our full potential in terms of turning volume success into profit growth,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG at a virtual investor and analyst conference. Continue reading →

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Toyota, Hino to Make Class-8 Fuel-Cell Electric Truck

Posted on 5 October 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota and Hino Class-8 Fuel-Cell Electric Truck

This deal expands upon the existing effort to develop a 25-ton FCET for the Japanese market announced earlier this year. It’s an obvious solution for the long-standing dirty diesel scourge.

Toyota Motor North America and Hino USA have agreed to jointly develop a Class-8 fuel-cell electric truck for the North American market. With the expanding interest in heavy-duty electric trucks, aka FCETs, prompted by government demands and the global warming crisis, it’s the latest foray into the well-funded and planet destroying fossil fuel wars by the latter day purveyors and avatars of dinosaurs – Big Oil.

The companies said today that they will leverage the newly developed Hino XL Series chassis with Toyota’s fuel cell technology to deliver “exceptional capability without harmful emissions.” The first demonstration vehicle is expected to arrive in the first half of 2021.
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Ford Recalls Defective Rear-view Cameras on 620,246 Vehicles

Posted on 5 October 2020 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company is recalling 620,246 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Because of a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Ford Pickup Truck Sales Best Q3 in 15 Years. Cars Dead)

These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, “Rear Visibility.” There is no identification or any Warning to the driver. Continue reading →

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Porsche – First Virtual Annual Meeting Declares Risky €676 Million in Dividends. No Earnings Forecast Yet

Posted on 2 October 2020 by Ken Zino

Because of the  ban on meetings in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Porsche SE), Stuttgart, held a virtual Annual General meeting. “With the health of all those attending in mind, we have decided this year to hold our Annual General Meeting virtually for the first time in the history of our company,” said the Chairman of the board of management Hans Dieter Pötsch.

The shareholders approved the proposed distribution of a dividend of €2.210 per preference share and €2.204 per ordinary share for the fiscal year 2019. The total distribution comes to around €676 million euro. It’s a risky move given the ongoing Covid pandemic that has infected global economies – one that could prompt a liquidity crisis.
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Ford Pickup Truck Sales Best Q3 in 15 Years. Cars Dead

Posted on 2 October 2020 by Ken Zino

Ford’s Q3 US sales were up 27.2 % compared to the disastrous Q2 Covid shutdown sales. They were down 4.9% compared to a year ago. Ford outperformed an industry decline of 10%.  Total sales were 551,796 vehicles, of which 311,751 were trucks and 191,803 were SUVs. Cars at 48,424  are essentially a hobby at Ford. (Ford Motor Q2- Sales Drop -53%. Debt Grows $10B)

Ford’s overall pickup sales of combined F-Series and Ranger totaled 249,997 pickups. This was Ford’s best Q3 pickup sales since 2005, with combined sales up 4.0% over a year ago. F-Series Q3 retail sales were up 10.1% over a year ago and are back above pre-corona virus sales levels. Total F-Series sales of 221,647 for the quarter were up 3.5%.
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Covid Casualties – GM US Q3 Sales Drop Year over Year

Posted on 1 October 2020 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it delivered 665,192 vehicles in the third quarter of 2020, a decrease in total vehicle sales of about -10% compared to a year ago. GM’s mid-size SUVs beat the industry, including the Chevrolet Blazer up 45%– the best quarter ever – and the Cadillac XT6, also up 45% compared to the Q3 of last year. Buick’s compact SUV, the Chinese-built Envision, was up 44%.

Even with tight inventory caused by the U.S.’s failed Covid response that is still hobbling the economy, GM’s large pickup trucks sold well, mainly heavy-duty pickups. The Chevrolet Silverado HD was up 9% and GMC Sierra HD was up 11% compared to a year ago. Total Sierra sales posted its best third quarter ever. Year to date, GM’s combined light- and heavy-duty pickups gained 1.6 percentage points in retail market share to capture 37.5% of the segment, according to J.D. Power.

GM tried to spin the weak Q3 as the Seasonally Adjusted Selling Rate – aka SAAR – was ~15.9 million vehicles for the quarter, up about 4 million units from the previous disastrous pandemic quarter. Mention was made of the pent-up demand effect that started at the end of Q1 continuing through Q2 as the economy was mimicking the Great Depression because of the Covid shutdown.
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GM Adding $71 Million at Two Ohio Parts Plants

Posted on 29 September 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Manufacturing

Toledo Transmission – GM needs 8-speed transmissions to meet fuel economy regulations.

General Motors plans to invest $71 million into two Ohio manufacturing plants, including $39 million at its Toledo transmission plant and $32 million at its Defiance casting plant. Work will begin immediately at the two locations.

These investments in what is increasingly the no growth auto business norm will enable GM to retain 240 U.S. manufacturing jobs. The Toledo investment will be used to upgrade and enhance the production of GM’s eight-speed rear-wheel-drive transmission – important for its pickup truck sales. The Defiance investment will be used to prepare the facility for future engine casting components work.
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FCA Fined $9.5 Million for Diesel Emissions Abuses

Posted on 29 September 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com

An impressive sales history of Ram pickups and Jeeps could be a huge liability in recalls or compliance matters.

The Securities and Exchange Commission says that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V., now a London-based public company that sells vehicles through its Michigan-based subsidiary, agreed to settle charges that it made misleading disclosures about an internal audit of its diesel emissions control systems.

The SEC’s order found that in February 2016, FCA represented in both a press release and an annual report that it conducted an internal audit which confirmed that FCA’s vehicles complied with environmental regulations concerning emissions.

FCA’s statements did not sufficiently disclose the limited scope of its internal audit, which focused only on finding a specific type of defeat device, or that the audit was not a comprehensive review of FCA’s compliance with U.S. emissions regulations.
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